Harry Potter fans could soon be scouring the globe for hidden treasure if a leaked email alleged to contain details of writer JK Rowling's latest project is genuine.

Fans have been abuzz for the past week since a teaser for her new project, Pottermore, was discovered on the internet and Rowling will officially announce details today.

Details of the project emerged after emails were sent, apparently by mistake, to a number of national newspapers.

The email suggested wands would be hidden and fans given clues in an online game to find them.

PR company Adam and Eve, which appears to be behind the project, previously set up an online treasure hunt using Google maps to publicise a video game. Rowling will announce details of what Pottermore will involve later today.

A new book has already been ruled out, and fans have long known the entire story of Harry Potter was designed to be spread across just seven volumes, the last of which was published in 2007.

The pottermore.com website - which was located after piecing together clues - is linked to a ticking clock, counting down the seconds until today's announcement. The term "Pottermore" was first trademarked in 2009 by film company Warner Bros, which has been behind the Potter movies.

The trademark description included reference to an interactive site "providing online chat rooms and electronic bulletin boards", as well as "online facilities for real-time interaction with other computer users concerning topics of general interest".

Leading Harry Potter fansite the-leaky-cauldron.org has claimed to have seen a preview of Pottermore and said it was "breathtaking".

The announcement is expected at midday on a dedicated channel on YouTube.